Off the refrigerator for a long time

@gengeni (3308)
Indonesia
January 8, 2011 5:05am CST
I want to leave home for long periods. If the refrigerator / freezer is turned off in that time (about 2 months), whether it could damage the refrigerator?. Also if I want to move the refrigerator is, whether the inverted position could ruin it as well?
2 people like this
7 responses
@cream97 (29085)
• United States
7 Mar 11
Hi. gengeni. I think that you should get everything that is food out of your refrigerator. Wipe it down and get all of the water out. I also, make sure that you unplug the cord out of the socket. And you should also unscrew the light bulb that lights the fridge up. Don't leave anything wet or dry in it. That way when you come back it won't smell funny or stinky.
• Indonesia
11 Jan 11
If only two months may not be damaged.Damage is usually there on the fan and pump,If the refrigerator that has been operated and left in place for years usually will be damaged.As the fan and pump will rust.
@nakula2009 (2325)
• Indonesia
9 Jan 11
if off too long should you clean the first to really clean as otherwise may be easily damaged and should not be stored upside down because it affects the machine is in
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
11 Jan 11
hi, i think there's no problem of you turned it off for 2 months, but you have to clean it first before you leave your freezer. and remove all things inside of it.
@sameer786 (832)
8 Jan 11
You can turn off the refregirator for 2 months but you shold empty, nothing is left in it and clean it very well otherwise very bad smell produce in it.
• India
8 Jan 11
it doesnt matter if the refrigerator is switched off for a long time. but be sure to clean it and make it dry before closing so that there wont b any fungus formation inside.refrigerators are always kept straight while moving,all electronic items should be kept right while moving,otherwise the internal parts get ruined.
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
8 Jan 11
No, the refrigerator will not be damaged by leaving it off for long periods. Just make sure that it is empty and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before leave it. It may help to leave the door slightly open because mould can develop - but if you have disinfected properly with a solution such as you would use for cleaning babies' bottles (e.g. 'Milton') there should be no problem. If you want to move the refrigerator into storage (for example, the garage) you should store it upright and cover it with a cloth. Make sure that the condenser vanes at the back are protected and not damaged, tape the power cord up so that it cannot be damaged or trail when moving and tape the door up (so that it doesn't swing open while moving). If you have properly cleaned the interior, it should only need another quick clean before you re-install it. You could put a packet of dehydrating gel crystals inside before storing. This will help stop mould developing.